Clasp for securing flexible bands

ABSTRACT

A clasp is configured to permanently interlock around a flexible strip of material and includes first and second interlocking members. Each interlocking member includes a plurality of hooks and a corresponding plurality of recesses, where the recesses of one interlocking member receive the hooks of the other interlocking member to secure a band within the clasp between the interlocking members. The recesses can be completely internal to the clasp to prevent external tampering. Each of the interlocking members can include various protrusions and ribs that compress and secure the band within the clasp, so as to prevent movement of the band between the interlocking members when interlocked.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No.15/097,556, filed Apr. 13, 2016, which is a continuation application ofU.S. Ser. No. 13/656,206, filed on Oct. 19, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.9,339,408, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/550,152, filed Oct. 21, 2011, the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

This application, while not claiming priority to, may be consideredrelated to U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,777 filed Apr. 23, 2010 and U.S. Pat. No.8,091,261 filed on April Jun. 17, 2009.

FIELD

Embodiments of inventive concept relate to clasps for securing flexiblebands, such as identification bands, and their methods of use andmanufacture.

BACKGROUND

Flexible bands including, for example, wrist straps and bundledfiber/cable ribbons, can be exposed to external factors which compromisetheir connecting ends. For example, an identifying wrist strap on apatient is generally attached at its ends with an adhesive portion orunsecure interlocking feature, and the removal of the band at theresulting seam can be caused by accidental or intentional dismantling bythe patient or others.

SUMMARY

As used herein, the terms “band” and “flexible band” may refer to any ofthe various flexible materials disclosed herein, or other flexiblematerials not specifically mentioned herein.

A clasp or closure is provided for enclosing/protecting a flexible bandand, in an example embodiment, for securing the connecting ends of oneor more bands. Some example embodiments provide identical mechanicallyinterlocking members of a clasp that can be placed around a portion of astrap, including the connected ends (or seam) of one or more bands. Theclasp may be configured to prevent slippage of the strap(s) within theclasp and protect an enclosed seam, for example, from being disconnectedby external factors, such as a wearer of a band.

According to one aspect of the inventive concept, a clasp is configuredto permanently interlock around a flexible strip of material. In oneexample embodiment, the clasp includes first and second interlockingmembers, each interlocking member including two hooks and two recesses,each of the hooks of the first member arranged to engage and interlockwith one of the recesses of the second member and each of the hooks ofthe second member arranged to interlock with one of the recesses of thefirst member, so as to prevent movement between the interlocking memberswhen interlocked. When interlocked, the clasp may also prevent movementor slippage of the flexible strip of material.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, a clasp isprovided that is configured to permanently interlock around a flexiblestrip of material. In one example embodiment, the clasp includes firstand second interlocking members, each interlocking member including anouter shell having interlocking recesses formed therein, a tongue havinginterlocking hooks, and a tongue receiving slot formed between thetongue and the outer shell, wherein, when the first and secondinterlocking members are interlocked, the tongue of one interlockingmember fits within the tongue receiving slot of the other interlockingmember and the hooks of one interlocking member engage the interlockingrecesses of the other interlocking member, thereby preventingdisengagement of the interlocking members.

In some example embodiments, the first and second interlocking membersare identically formed pieces.

In some example embodiments, the interlocking members are arranged sothat, once engaged and interlocked, the clasp is permanently closed.

In some example embodiments, the clasp includes an inner surface forminga portion of the tongue receiving slot, including internal ribsprotruding from the inner surface and forming opposing sides of thetongue receiving slot.

In some example embodiments, the tongues are arranged so that when thefirst and second interlocking members are interlocked, they define apath configured to compress and secure the flexible strip tosubstantially prevent movement within the clasp.

In some example embodiments, the tongues further include protrusionsextending from a tongue inner surface forming a portion of the tonguereceiving slot, the protrusions configured to substantially preventsliding of the flexible strip between the interlocking members wheninterlocked.

In some example embodiments, each interlocking member further includes abase from which the outer shell and tongue extend substantially inparallel.

In some example embodiments, the tongue of each interlocking member isconfigured to slidably engage the tongue receiving slot of the otherinterlocking member.

In some example embodiments, when the first and second interlockingmembers are interlocked, a portion of the flexible strip of material isdisposed between and in parallel with the tongues and outer shells ofthe first and second interlocking members.

In some example embodiments, the clasp is arranged to enclose andprevent access to a seam of the flexible strip of material. In someembodiments, the flexible strip of material is a flexible wrist strap orband.

In some example embodiments, the strip of material comprises at leastone of a strip of cables, plastic, and fibers.

In some example embodiments, the clasp is constructed substantially ofplastic, resin and/or metal.

In some example embodiments, each interlocking hook comprises an angledmember configured to facilitate insertion into a correspondinginterlocking recess and a stop member configured to prohibit removal ofthe interlocking hook from the corresponding interlocking recess.

An interlocking member, comprising a shell including a base, a tongueextending from the base, a tongue receiving slot defined between thetongue and the shell, and a positive interlocking mechanism and anegative interlocking mechanism. The interlocking member is configuredto interlock with a second interlocking member to form a claspconfigured to permanently secure a flexible band.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, a method ofenclosing and protecting a flexible strip of material is provided, themethod including enclosing the flexible strip of material within aclasp. In an embodiment, enclosing the flexible strip of material withina clasp includes engaging and interlocking first and second members ofthe clasp about the flexible strip of material, the engaging andinterlocking of the first and second members including interlocking twohooks of the first member with two corresponding recesses of the secondmember and engaging and interlocking two hooks of the second member withtwo corresponding recesses of the first member.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, a method ofpermanently securing a flexible strip of material is provided. Themethod includes providing a clasp comprising first and secondinterlocking members. In an embodiment, each interlocking memberincludes an outer shell having interlocking recesses formed therein anda tongue having interlocking hooks, and a tongue receiving slot formedbetween the tongue and the outer shell. In an embodiment, the methodincludes disposing a portion of the flexible strip of material withinthe tongue receiving slot of the first interlocking member andinterlocking the second interlocking member with the first interlockingmember, including positioning the tongue of one interlocking memberwithin the tongue receiving slot of the other interlocking member andforcing the hooks of one interlocking member within the interlockingrecesses of the other interlocking member, so as to preventdisengagement of the interlocking members.

In accordance with some aspects of the inventive concept, provided is amethod of permanently securing a flexible band. The method comprisesproviding a clasp comprising first and second interlocking members. Eachinterlocking member comprises a shell including a base, a tongueextending from the base, a tongue receiving slot defined between thetongue and the shell, and a positive interlocking mechanism and anegative interlocking mechanism. The method further comprises disposinga flexible band in a channel passing through the tongue receiving slotof the first interlocking member and permanently combining the secondinterlocking member with the first interlocking member.

In some example embodiments, the first and second interlocking membersare identically formed pieces.

In some example embodiments, the interlocking members are engaged andinterlocked to permanently close the clasp.

In some example embodiments, interlocking the first and second membersof the clasp about the flexible strip of material substantially preventsslippage of the flexible strip of material within the clasp.

In some example embodiments, the method includes enclosing a seam of theflexible strip of material within the clasp by interlocking the firstand second members of the clasp about the connecting portions of theflexible strip of material. In some embodiments, the flexible strip ofmaterial is a wrist or ankle band.

In some example embodiments, positioning the tongue of one interlockingmember within the tongue receiving slot of the other interlocking memberincludes slidably engaging the tongue of each interlocking member intothe tongue receiving slot of the other interlocking member.

In some example embodiments, each interlocking member further includes abase from which the outer shell and tongue extend substantially inparallel.

In some example embodiments, interlocking the first and secondinterlocking members includes irremovably securing a portion of theflexible strip of material between and in parallel with the tongues andouter shells of the first and second interlocking members.

In some example embodiments, the tongues further comprise protrusionsextending from a tongue inner surface forming a portion of the tonguereceiving slot, the protrusions configured to reduce sliding of theflexible strip between the interlocking members when interlocked.

In some example embodiments, each outer shell includes an inner surfaceforming a portion of the tongue receiving slot, including internal ribsprotruding from the inner surface and forming opposing sides of thetongue receiving slot.

In some example embodiments, when the first and second interlockingmembers are interlocked, they define a path configured to compress andsecure the flexible strip to substantially prevent movement within theclasp.

In some example embodiments, an interlocking member includes a shellincluding a base, a tongue extending from the base in parallel with theshell, including a raised portion on a top surface of the tongue, atongue receiving slot defined between the tongue and the shell, and apositive interlocking mechanism and a negative interlocking mechanism,wherein, when interlocked, a positive interlocking mechanism of oneinterlocking member permanently interlocks with a negative interlockingmechanism of a second interlocking member and the tongue of eachinterlocking member is locked within the tongue receiving slot of theother interlocking member and the tongues are positioned to secure aband between the tongues.

In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept, provided isa clasp configured to permanently secure a flexible band, comprisingfirst and second interlocking members. Each interlocking membercomprises: a shell including a base; a tongue extending from the base inparallel with the shell, including at least one tongue protrusionextending from a tongue back surface toward the shell; a tonguereceiving slot defined between the tongue and the shell, and withinwhich the tongue protrusion extends; and at least one hook and at leastone recess, each recess configured to receive a hook from anotherinterlocking member and having a wall configured to prevent externalaccess to the hook received within the recess. When interlocked, thefirst and second interlocking members define a path from one side of theclasp to an opposite side of the clasp through which the flexible bandpasses such that the flexible band extends through a first opening inthe one side of the clasp and a second opening in the opposite side ofthe clasp and the flexible band is compressed by and between the tongueprotrusions of the tongues of the first and second interlocking members.

In some example embodiments, when interlocked, the clasp defines aninternal serpentine path between the tongues that compresses and securesthe flexible band.

In some example embodiments, the first and second interlocking membersare identical.

In some example embodiments, the at least one hook consists of two hooksand the at least one recess consists of two recesses configured topermanently receive the two hooks of the other interlocking member.

In some example embodiments, each hook comprises an angled sideconfigured to facilitate insertion into a corresponding recess and astop side configured to prohibit removal of the hook from thecorresponding recess.

In some example embodiments, the at least one hook is at least oneoutwardly projecting protrusion of the tongue and the at least onerecess is formed in outer portions of the shell.

In some example embodiments, each shell comprises an inner surfaceopposite the tongue and forming a portion of the tongue receiving slotand at least two ribs extending from the inner surface and formingopposing sides of the tongue receiving slot, wherein the tongue of eachof the first and second interlocking members is configured to slidablyengage the tongue receiving slot of the other interlocking member.

In some example embodiments, at least one of the first and secondinterlocking members comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID)chip.

In some example embodiments, the flexible band is a flexible strip ofmaterial.

In some example embodiments, the tongue of at least one of the first andsecond interlocking members further includes a tongue biasing member ona front surface of the tongue extending away from the shell.

In accordance with another aspect of the inventive concept, provided isan interlocking member forming a portion of a clasp configured to securea band. The interlocking member comprising a shell including a base; atongue extending from the base in parallel with the shell, including atleast one tongue protrusion extending from a tongue back surface towardthe shell; a tongue receiving slot defined between the tongue and theshell, and within which the tongue protrusion extends; and at least onehook and at least one recess, each recess configured to receive a hookfrom another interlocking member and having a wall configured to preventexternal access to the hook received within the recess. The interlockingmember is configured to interlock with a second interlocking member toform a clasp configured to permanently secure a flexible band passingthrough the clasp from one side to an opposite side, wherein a portionof the flexible band is compressed within the tongue receiving slot.

In some example embodiments, when interlocked, the clasp defines aninternal serpentine path between the tongues that compresses and securesthe flexible band.

In some example embodiments, the at least one hook consists of two hooksand the at least one recess consists of two recesses configured topermanently receive two hooks of the second interlocking member.

In some example embodiments, each hook comprises an angled sideconfigured to facilitate insertion into a corresponding recess of thesecond interlocking member and a stop side configured to prohibitremoval of the hook from the corresponding recess of the secondinterlocking member.

In some example embodiments, the at least one hook is at least oneoutwardly projecting protrusion of the tongue and the at least onerecess is formed in outer portions of the shell.

In some example embodiments, the shell comprises an inner surfaceopposite the tongue and forming a portion of the tongue receiving slotand at least two ribs extending from the inner surface and formingopposing sides of the tongue receiving slot.

In some example embodiments, the tongue receiving slot is configured toslidably receive a tongue of the second interlocking member.

In some example embodiments, interlocking member of claim 11, furthercomprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.

In some example embodiments, the flexible band is a flexible strip ofmaterial.

In some example embodiments, the tongue further includes a tonguebiasing member on a front surface of the tongue extending away from theshell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of embodiments of thepresent inventive concept will be apparent from the more particulardescription of embodiments of the inventive concept, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same elements throughout the different views. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the inventive concept in the drawings.

FIG. 1A is an illustrative perspective view of an interlocking member,as one of two interlocking members used to form a clasp, according to anexample embodiment of the inventive concept. FIGS. 1B and 1C aredifferent top oblique views of the interlocking member of FIG. 1A. FIG.1D is an oblique side view of the interlocking member of FIGS. 1Athrough 1C, according an example embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 2A through 2C show different views of the interlocking member ofFIGS. 1A-1D having a band disposed therein, according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concept. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view ofa band disposed within the interlocking member of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B showsa top view of the interlocking member of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C shows aside view of the interlocking member of FIG. 2A, according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative perspective views of a clasp comprisingtwo interlocking members, according to an example embodiment of thepresent inventive concept. FIG. 3A shows the clasp in an unassembledform while FIG. 3B shows the clasp in an assembled for with the twointerlocking members locked together. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectionalperspective view of the clasp of FIG. 3B taken along line A-A′,according to an example embodiment of the present inventive concept.FIG. 3D is a side view of the clasp of FIG. 3B, according to an exampleembodiment of the present inventive concept. FIG. 3E is across-sectional oblique view of the clasp having a flexible band withinthe clasp of FIG. 3B taken along line B-B′ at a different angle fromFIG. 3C, according to an example embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

FIGS. 4A and 5A are illustrative front views of an interlocking memberof a clasp having a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) chip,according to an example embodiment of the inventive concept. FIGS. 4Band 5B are cross-sectional oblique views of the interlocking members ofFIGS. 4A and 5A, respectively, forming part of a clasp that is cut alongline A-A′ as in FIG. 3A, according to an example embodiment of theinventive concept.

FIGS. 6A and 7A are illustrative unassembled views of two interlockingmembers of a clasp incorporating an active RFID chip, according to anexample embodiment of the inventive concept. FIGS. 6B and 7B arecross-sectional oblique views of the assembled interlocking members ofFIGS. 6A and 7A, respectively, forming part of a clasp that is cut alongline A-A′ as in FIG. 3A, according to an example embodiment of theinventive concept.

FIG. 8A is an illustrative front view of an alternative embodiment of aninterlocking member of a clasp, according to an example embodiment ofthe present inventive concept. FIG. 8B is an illustrative rear view ofthe interlocking member of FIG. 8A, according to an example embodimentof the inventive concept. FIG. 8C shows a top view of the interlockingmember of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional side view of theinterlocking member of FIG. 8A taken along line 8D-8D, according to anexample embodiment of the present inventive concept. FIG. 8E is a sideview of the interlocking member of FIG. 8A, according an exampleembodiment of the inventive concept. FIG. 8F is a cross-sectionalelevated view of the interlocking member of FIG. 8E taken along line8F-8F, according to an example embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of theembodiments of inventive concept will be apparent from the moreparticular description of embodiments of inventive concept, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the inventive concept in the drawings.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept.As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc.may be used herein to describe various limitations, elements,components, regions, layers and/or sections, these limitations,elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish onelimitation, element, component, region, layer or section from anotherlimitation, element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstlimitation, element, component, region, layer or section discussed belowcould be termed a second limitation, element, component, region, layeror section without departing from the teachings of the presentapplication.

It will be further understood that when an element is referred to asbeing “on” or “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can bedirectly on or above, or connected or coupled to, the other element orintervening elements can be present. In contrast, when an element isreferred to as being “directly on” or “directly connected” or “directlycoupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should beinterpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directlybetween,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). When an elementis referred to herein as being “over” another element, it can be over orunder the other element, and either directly coupled to the otherelement, or intervening elements may be present, or the elements may bespaced apart by a void or gap.

In accordance with various aspects of the inventive concept, provided isa clasp that may be used with any number of flexible bands, such asstandard polyester product identification bands. The clasp may be usedwith various types of identification bands, straps, bracelets, anklets,or the like. The clasp may be used in various types of settings, medicalfacilities (for example, hospitals), nursing homes, paid entrance venues(for example, clubs, concerts, sporting events, museums), schools anduniversities, member only venues, and secure locations, as examples. Theclasp may add an additional layer of security for use in facilitieswhere the subject may not cooperate, for example. Examples of suchfacilities include: mental health facilities, lock-up facilities,detention centers, and prisons.

The clasp may be used, as an example, with straps or wrist bands thatinclude Valéron® Strength Films, which is a flexible cross laminatedhigh strength polyethylene film. The cross laminated high strengthpolyethylene film may be treated with polyester on both sides to protectthe strap from heat. A coating on the cross laminated high strengthpolyethylene film may be water proof and scratch proof in order toprotect the information stored on the strap.

In example embodiments, the clasp is easy to use, able to be put on astrap or wrist band without the use of tools, very difficult orsubstantially impossible to open without tools or breakage, and not ableto be used as a weapon. It also is, preferably, comfortable andunobtrusive when worn.

The clasp described herein may be used to bind any two flat ribbon likematerials without any destruction of the bound materials. For example,the clasp described herein may bind two ribbons containing fiber opticswithout destroying the integrity of the optics within.

Other possible applications of the example embodiments include providingclasps for security seals for shipping, trucking and railway containers.In one example embodiment, the clasps may be used for labels forshipping containers or as a seal or tamper indicator for a door of sucha container, such that the seal would need to be broken (or cut) to openthe door. In another example embodiment, the clasps may be used toattach ribbons to packages. In another example embodiment, the claspsmay be used to create a belt or to cinch clothing.

In various embodiments, the clasp of the present invention includes twoidentical or substantially identical interlocking members that connectto secure and enclose a portion of a strap, band, ribbon, or wrist band.In such cases, any two interlocking members can be used to form a clasp,such that the user need not be concerned with getting two differentparts. For example, a package of 100 interlocking members would yield 50clasps, no matter which two interlocking members were taken from thebag, in a preferred embodiment.

In an example embodiment, the clasp uses four positive latchingmechanisms, each of two interlocking members having two male and twofemale mechanisms configured to engage with the corresponding mechanismsof the other interlocking member. A positively locked and secure claspmay be provided with the application of some physical force that forceseach male mechanism into the corresponding female mechanism as the twointerlocking members are pressed together to form a clasp. That is, notools are required to connect the two interlocking members. In addition,an example embodiment of the clasp is designed to be a single usedevice, so no provision is made to disengage it once locked. Thisprovides security as it cannot be removed by any party. Therefore, inpreferred embodiments, the two interlocking members are permanentlylocked together.

The clasp of the example embodiments of the present inventive conceptwhen used with ID bands (for example, patient or inmate ID bands), as anexample, may cover an adhesive flap overlapped and adhered onto the bandto make the flap inaccessible to the wearer or others. The clasp ispositioned to cover the flap, as the two interlocking members are lockedtogether; internal ribs engage the band and lock the clasp into thatposition so that the clasp cannot be slid sideways to gain access to thebands adhesive flap. In this manner, a seam flap overlapped onto theband may be permanently secured within the clasp.

To ease alignment when affixing the clasp to the strap or band, internalalignment pins guide the two interlocking members into place, making iteasy to apply the clasp.

FIG. 1A is an illustrative front view of an interlocking member, as oneof two interlocking members used to form a clasp, according to anexample embodiment of the inventive concept. FIGS. 1B and 1C aredifferent top oblique views of the interlocking member of FIG. 1A. FIG.1D is an oblique side view of the interlocking member of FIG. 1A,according an example embodiment of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 2A through 2C show different views of the interlocking member ofFIGS. 1A-1D having a band disposed therein, according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concept. FIG. 2A shows a perspective view ofa band disposed within the interlocking member of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B showsa top view of the interlocking member of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2C shows aside view of the interlocking member of FIG. 2A, according to an exampleembodiment of the inventive concept.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are illustrative perspective views of a clasp comprisingtwo interlocking members, according to an example embodiment of thepresent inventive concept. FIG. 3A shows the clasp in an unassembledform, while FIG. 3B shows the clasp in an assembled for with the twointerlocking members locked together. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectionaloblique view of the clasp of FIG. 3B taken along line A-A′, according toan example embodiment of the present inventive concept. FIG. 3D is aside view of the clasp of FIG. 3B, according to an example embodiment ofthe present inventive concept. FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional oblique viewof the clasp having a flexible band within the clasp of FIG. 3B takenalong line B-B′ at a different angle from FIG. 3C, according to anexample embodiment of the present inventive concept.

FIGS. 1A-1C show an example embodiment of an interlocking member 10 thatcan be used as one of two interlocking members that combine to form aclasp 100 within which a flexible band 20 may be secured, see also FIGS.3A-3E. In these embodiments, the two interlocking members used to form aclasp may be structurally the same, or substantially the same. That is,two interlocking members used to form a clasp can be indistinguishable,apart from any aesthetic features, such as color, texture, or structuraldifferences not involving the interlocking mechanisms that cause the twointerlocking members to permanently lock together. In variousembodiments, the clasp may be structured to accommodate available 1″bands, but in other embodiments the clasp could be structured to fit ¾″and ½″ bands, as examples. There are no inherent limitations on thescaling or uses of the clasp and bands.

A flexible band of material (or “flexible band”, or “band”) 20, forexample, a strap or wrist band, may be waterproof, chemical resistant,and scratchproof. In addition, the band 20 may be stretch proof and tearproof so that it needs to be cut off to be removed. The band 20 mayinclude at least one of a strip of cables, plastic, and fibers, asexamples.

In the example embodiment, the clasp is arranged to enclose and preventaccess to a closure region of the band 20. The closure region can be aseam or an area where two portions of a least one band overlap. In FIGS.3A-3D, for example, the interlocking member 10 is shown with anoverlapped area of two ends of flexible band 20 disposed therein.

The clasp includes first and second interlocking members 10. The firstand second interlocking members 10 are identically formed pieces in thisembodiment, but need not be in others. Each interlocking member 10includes an outer shell 12 having interlocking recesses 18 formedtherein. Each interlocking member 10 also includes a tongue 14 havingoutwardly projecting interlocking hooks 16 and a tongue receiving slot22 formed between the tongue 14 and the outer shell 12.

In this embodiment, opposite tongue 14 there is an inner surface 23 ofshell 12 forming a portion of the tongue receiving slot 22. The innersurface 23, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, includes internal ribs 24protruding from the inner surface 23 and forming opposing sides of thetongue receiving slot 22. In this embodiment, ribs 24 are spaced apartat a distance that is slightly greater than the width of the tongue 14to be received in tongue receiving slot 22. Preferably, insertion oftongue 14 in tongue receiving slot 22 causes a tight fit of band 20therein, that is, a fit that grips and compresses band 20 to render band20 substantially immovable.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the tongue 14 includes at least oneprotrusion 26 extending from a tongue back surface 13 and forming aportion of the tongue receiving slot 22. The protrusion 26 is configuredto reduce or prevent sliding of the band 20 between the opposinginterlocking members 10 when interlocked. In this embodiment, theprotrusion 26 is centered in the rear of tongue 14 so that protrusionsof two combined interlocking members compress band 20. But in otherembodiments there may be more than one protrusion on one or both tonguesof the two combined interlocking members, and the protrusion may not becentered. Each interlocking member 10 includes a base 15 from which theouter shell 12 and tongue 14 extend substantially in parallel. Withinthe base 15, a channel 11 is formed, at the bottom of the receiving slot22.

In this embodiment, interlocking member 10 includes two interlockinghooks 16 and two interlocking recesses 18. In this embodiment, recesses18 are shown as being open, creating a window through which hooks 16 canbe seen when two interlocking members are combined. However, such awindow is not essential, that is, recess 18 could be completely internalto the clasp and not externally visible. Each of the interlocking hooks16 of a first interlocking member is arranged to engage and interlockwith a corresponding one of the interlocking recesses 18 of a secondinterlocking member and each of the interlocking hooks 16 of the secondmember is arranged to interlock with one of the interlocking recesses 18of the first interlocking member, so as to prevent movement between theinterlocking members when interlocked. Therefore, the interlocking hooks16 of each of the interlocking members 10 are configured to engage andsnap into corresponding interlocking recesses 18 of the opposinginterlocking member, securing and interlocking the two members with eachother as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

In the preferred embodiment, the interlocking hooks 16 are notspring-loaded or otherwise displaceable so that the interlocking members10 are not releasable once engaged, even with a tool. As illustrated inFIGS. 1A through 1D, each of the interlocking hooks 16 includes anangled member 17 configured to facilitate insertion into a correspondinginterlocking recess 18 and a stop member 19 configured to prohibitremoval of the interlocking hook from the corresponding interlockingrecess, see, for example, FIG. 3A.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C, the first interlocking member 10is shown with the flexible band 20 disposed between the tongue 14 andinternal ribs 24 of the first interlocking member 10.

In an example embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 3E, a portionof the band 20 is positioned within the interlocking member 10 withinchannel 11. As such, band 20 passes by and contacts the tongue 14,opposing internal ribs 24, and protrusions 26 in a serpentine-likemanner, i.e., having a non-straight path through the clasp that turnsone way and another in response to the combination of ribs, protrusionsand recesses within the clasp. The primary cause for this manner of theshape of band 20 within channel 11 is that protrusion 26 extends fromtongue 14 partially in to the channel 11, as do ribs 24 on the oppositeside of channel 11. As a result, a straight line path through thechannel 11 does not exist for band 20, which bends around protrusions 26and internal ribs 24 when disposed in channel 11. Accordingly, the band20 is held in place when two interlocking members are combined, whichsubstantially prevents the band 20 from sliding through the clasp. Thecompression imparted on the band by the structural elements that causethe serpentine-like path of the band 20 prevent the band 20 from slidingin the left and right directions within the clasp.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the clasp includes relatively smooth surfaceswith rounded edges so as to improve comfort to an individual wearing thestrap/clasp and to help avoid injury from the clasp while being worn.Such relatively smooth surfaces and rounded corners are not essential tothe inventive concept, however.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3E, a clasp 100 is shown formed of twointerlocking members 10, 10′, having band 20 secured therein.

In various embodiments, the clasp 100 may be constructed of plastic,resin, metal, or similar materials. In various embodiments, the claspmay be molded of or generated from a single material that issufficiently flexible to permit the interlocking hooks 16 toflex/snap/engage into the interlocking recesses 18, while being strongenough to prevent easy breakage or removal of the clasp 100. In variousembodiments, the clasp 100 may be constructed of Acrylonitrile ButadieneStyrene (ABS). Depending on the intended use, a softer plastic withcharacteristics similar to that of Poly Olefins, for example, would beavoided with respect to at least the outer protective shell of theclasp, that is, in cases where the clasp functions as a secure device.

The clasp 100 of the example of embodiments of the present inventiveconcept includes two identical or substantially identical interlockingmembers 10, 10′ which may be put together with the force of a hand, butdo not come apart. In addition, the clasp 100 engages the band 20 insuch a manner that no holes or rivets are produced in the band whichcould weaken the band. The clasp 100 includes four attachment pointswhich substantially prevent movement between the interlocking memberswhen interlocked. The clasp 100 includes interlocking hooks 16, 16′which are not spring-loaded so that the interlocking members are notreleasable once engaged, even with a tool, see, for example, FIG. 3A.The clasp 100 has smooth edges, that is, no sharp edges, so that theclasp cannot be turned into a weapon.

When the first and second interlocking members 10, 10′ are interlockedor engaged, the tongue 14 of one interlocking member 10 fits within thetongue receiving slot 22′ of the other interlocking member 10′ and thehooks 16 of one interlocking member 10 engage the interlocking recesses18′ of the other interlocking member 10′, so as to prevent disengagementof the interlocking members 10, 10′. When the first and secondinterlocking members 10, 10′ are interlocked, a portion of the band 20is disposed between and in parallel with the tongues and the outershells 12, 12′ of the first and second interlocking members 10, 10′.

FIG. 3A demonstrates how first and second interlocking members 10, 10′combine to form clasp 100, in accordance with the example embodiment.The band 20 is disposed in channel 11 of first interlocking member 10,then second interlocking member 10′ is placed over band 20 such thattongue 14 of first interlocking member 10 inserts into tongue receivingslot 22′ of the second interlocking member 10′ and tongue 14′ of thesecond interlocking member 10′ inserts into tongue receiving slot 22 ofthe first interlocking member 10. As the two interlocking members arepressed together, hooks 16 of the first interlocking member 10 areirremovably forced into the corresponding recesses 18′ of the secondinterlocking member 10′ and hooks 16′ of the second interlocking member10′ are irremovably forced into recesses 18 of the first interlockingmember 10, as is shown in the side view of FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3B shows the interlocking members 10, 10′ combined to form clasp100 and FIG. 3C shows a cross-section of clasp 100 taken alone line A-A′of FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3C band 20 is engaged and compressed betweenprotrusions 26, 26′ of the first and second interlocking members 10,10′, respectively. Similarly, band 20 may also be compressed betweenopposing ribs 24, 24′ of first and second interlocking members 10, 10′,respectively.

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional perspective view of clasp 100 havingflexible band 20 secured therein, taken along line B-B′ in FIG. 3B. Asis shown in FIG. 3E, band 20 is secured in a serpentine-like paththrough clasp 100, similar to what is shown in FIG. 2B. As is apparentfrom FIG. 3E, near the base 15 of interlocking member 10, tongue 14′ ofinterlocking member 10′ is pushed toward the outside of receiving slot22 from the force of the more rigid base 15 (from which tongue 14extends) applied to a distal end of tongue 14′. Thus, theserpentine-like bending of band 20 shown in FIG. 2B is maintained wheninterlocking members 10, 10′ are combined. The same aspects would berealized at base 15′ (not shown) of interlocking member 10′. Similarly,base 15′ would push tongue 14 toward the outside of receiving slot 22′,when band 20 is compressed between the interlocking members 10,10′.Therefore, in this embodiment, the serpentine-like bending of band 20 atbase 15′ of interlocking member 10′ would be opposite that shown forbase 15 of interlocking member 10.

In other embodiments, the clasp may include other types of devicesand/or sensors embedded therein, for example, a RFID chip, wandersensors, medical monitoring devices and GPS tracking devices. Theinterlocking members that form such a clasp may be as otherwisedescribed above, that is, with respect to FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2C, and 3A-3E.

FIGS. 4A and 5A are rear views of an interlocking member of a clasphaving a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, accordingto an example embodiment of the inventive concept. FIGS. 4B and 5B arecross-sectional oblique views of the interlocking members of FIGS. 4Aand 5A, respectively, forming part of a clasp that is cut along lineA-A′ as in FIG. 3A, according to an example embodiment of the inventiveconcept.

In FIGS. 4A and 5A, the interlocking members 30 are similar to theinterlocking members 10, 10′, as discussed above. The interlockingmembers 30 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B further include a passive RFIDchip 32. The passive RFID chip 32 relies on a reader of the RFID chip asits power source, in this embodiment.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the RFID chip 32 may be coupled to the interlockingmember 30 by adhesive, such as glue. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, a pocket 34 ismolded onto the interlocking member 30 between one of the internal ribs24 and the outer shell 12 and the RFID chip 32 is inserted therein.

In FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B, the RFID chip 32 is located between one ofthe internal ribs 24 and the outer shell 12. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, theRFID chip 32 is located between the inner surface 23 and a surface ofthe internal ribs 24 which interfaces with the band 20. In FIGS. 5A and5B, the pocket 34 is located between the inner surface 23 and a surfaceof the internal ribs 24 which interfaces with the band 20.

FIGS. 6A and 7A are illustrative views of two interlocking members of aclasp in unassembled form, with at least one interlocking member in eachfigure having an active RFID chip, according to an example embodiment ofthe inventive concept. FIGS. 6B and 7B are cross-sectional oblique viewsof the interlocking members of FIGS. 6A and 7A, respectively, assembledto form the clasp, with the cross section cut along line A-A′ as in FIG.3A, respectively, according to an example embodiment of the inventiveconcept. Active RFID chips use internal batteries to power theircircuits, in this embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate both an active RFID chip 42 and a battery 44being formed on a single side of a clasp 40. That is, the active RFIDchip 42 and the battery 44 are only formed on one of the interlockingmembers of the clasp, namely clasp 40. The active RFID chip 42 and thebattery 44 are coupled by circuitry 46. Pockets 48 are molded onto theinterlocking member 40 between each of the internal ribs 24 and theouter shell 12 and the RFID chip 42 and the battery are insertedtherein, respectively. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the pockets 48 are locatedbetween the inner surface 23 and a surface of the internal ribs 24 whichinterfaces with the band 20.

A switch is formed on an external face of the interlocking member suchthat the active RFID chip 42 is activated when the interlocking membersare engaged or interlocked. In an alternative embodiment, the activeRFID chip 42 is activated prior to the interlocking members beingengaged or interlocked.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an active RFID chip 54 being formed on one ofthe interlocking members of the clasp, namely, interlocking member 50,and a battery 60 being formed on the other of the interlocking membersof the clasp, namely, interlocking member 52. The active RFID chip 54 iscoupled to an exposed contact 58 by circuitry 56. The exposed contact 58is on the tongue 14 of the interlocking member 50. In an exampleembodiment, the contact 58 is formed on the top of the tongue 14.

The battery 60 is inserted or molded into the plastic or other materialof the interlocking member 52. In one example embodiment, the battery 60is formed on the inner surface 23 of the interlocking member 52. In oneexample embodiment, the battery 60 is disk-shaped; however, the presentinventive concept are not limited thereto. The battery 60 has an exposedcontact thereon.

The exposed contact 58 on the tongue 14 will come in contact with theunderside of the exposed contact on the battery 60 when the clasp isclosed thereby activating the active RFID chip.

FIGS. 8A through 8F show an alternative embodiment of an interlockingmember used to form a clasp, according to aspects of the inventiveconcept. Like the above embodiments, in a preferred embodiment, twoidentical, or substantially identical, interlocking members 80 can bepress fit together to permanently engage to form the clasp, with a bandsecured therein between the two interlocking members 80. In someembodiments, it may be preferable to have an overlapping portion of theband secured within the clasp to mitigate against peeling the bandapart. In accordance with this embodiment, improved security andresistance to tampering are provided. Additionally, or alternatively,improved band gripping can also be realized through this embodiment.

For example, improved security can be provided by preventing externalaccess to the hooks 16 of each interlocking member that engage therecesses 18 of the other interlocking member. Additionally, an elementmay be included in the clasp to provide greater compressive force to aband maintained within the clasp. Such additional compressive force maybe imparted, for example, by providing greater contact area betweeninternal components of the clasp and the band maintained therein and/orthe internal components of the clasp can be formed to provide greatercompressive force to the band. The greater compressive force reduces thepossibility of slippage of the band within the clasp, e.g., to avoiddisplacing the band to expose the overlapped band portion originallydisposed within the clasp.

FIG. 8A is an illustrative front view of an alternative embodiment of aninterlocking member of a clasp, according to an example embodiment ofthe present inventive concept. FIG. 8B is an illustrative rear view ofthe interlocking member of FIG. 8A, according to an example embodimentof the inventive concept. FIG. 8C shows a top view of the interlockingmember of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional side view of theinterlocking member of FIG. 8A taken along line 8D-8D, according to anexample embodiment of the present inventive concept. FIG. 8E is a sideview of the interlocking member of FIG. 8A, according an exampleembodiment of the inventive concept. FIG. 8F is a cross-sectionalelevated view of the interlocking member of FIG. 8E taken along line8F-8F, according to an example embodiment of the present inventiveconcept.

FIG. 8A shows a front view of a single interlocking member. This viewshows an outer shell portion 12 of the interlocking member. From thisview, interlocking member 80 is substantially similar to theinterlocking members of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

FIGS. 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E show one difference of interlocking member 80of this alternative embodiment when compared to the interlocking memberembodiments described in connection with FIGS. 1A-1D above, for example.In this embodiment, interlocking member 80 may include a tongue biasingmember in the form of at least one raised portion, or bump 81, formed ona front surface 13′ of tongue 14, opposite tongue back surface 13. Bump81 protrudes up from the tongue front surface 13′, opposite rib 26 onthe tongue back surface 13, for example. The interlocking member 80includes internal ribs 24 protruding from the inner surface 23 andforming opposing sides of a tongue receiving slot 22. Tongue 14 has awidth that is no greater than a width of the tongue receiving slot 22.Similarly, bump 81, which may be considered to form part of tongue 14,has a width that is no greater than a width of the tongue receiving slot22.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E, the bump 81 extendsbetween the base 15 and a top of the tongue 14. The bump 81 can includean inclined portion 82 that extends at an angle from the tongue frontsurface 13′, beginning at or near a top portion of the tongue 14, towardthe base 15. The inclined portion 82 may advantageously provide a smoothcoupling of two interlocking members 80 when they are press fit togetherto form a clasp. The bump 81 can also include an intermediate portionformed between the inclined portion 82 and the base 15. The intermediateportion can be a flat portion 83 that extends from the inclined portion82 to or near the base 15. In this embodiment, the top surface of theflat portion 83 extends in parallel to the top surface of the tongue 14.The top surface of the flat portion 83 has a predetermined and uniformheight above the tongue front surface 13′, which does not extend beyondan outer surface of the base 15.

While the bump 81 in this embodiment is shown as a flat portion havinguniform thickness, in other embodiments, the bump 81 can take the formof a discontinuous set of protrusions collectively forming bump 81. Insome embodiments, the set of protrusions could be arranged vertically,horizontally, crosswise, or some combination thereof. In otherembodiments the set of protrusions can take the form or include prongsextending from the tongue front surface 13′.

While bump 81 is shown to include the inclined portion 82 and the flatportion 83 in the depicted embodiment, in other embodiments, bump 81could include the inclined portion 82, but not the flat portion 83, or,as an alternative, bump 81 could include the flat portion 83, but notthe inclined portion 82.

In still other embodiments, the bump 81 need not extend to or near base15. That is, the bump 81 may only extend partially down the tongue 14.In still other embodiments, the bump 81 could extend halfway or lessdown the tongue 14.

Bump 81 biases the tongue 14 towards the band 20 (or center of theclasp) when one interlocking member 80 is mated with anotherinterlocking member 80, resulting in a greater applied force and astronger hold of the band 20 therein. Accordingly, bump 81 provides atighter fit between interlocking members such that it is more difficultto move a band compressed between two tongues of a two engagedinterlocking members.

FIG. 8F shows a cross-sectional view of the interlocking member 80,exposing some of the internal structure of the apparatus. As with theother embodiments, interlocking member 80 includes two interlockinghooks 16 and two interlocking recesses 18. Each of the interlockinghooks 16 includes an angled member 17 configured to facilitate insertioninto a corresponding interlocking recess 18 and a stop member 19configured to prohibit removal of the interlocking hook 16 from thecorresponding interlocking recess 18, see, for example, FIGS. 3A and 8A.

FIG. 8F also shows that the recess 18 includes a detent 21 configured tomaintain the hook 16 of a corresponding interlocking member 80 withinthe recess 18 when two interlocking members are press fit together.Detent 21 also forms part of the recesses 18 of the embodiments above.When press fit together to form a clasp, the detent 21 of recess 18 ofone interlocking member abuts against the stop member 19 of the hook 16of the other interlocking member. A height h of the detent 21 is chosento make a snug fit with stop 19, so the two interlocking members aretightly press fit and maintained together.

Each detent 21 also includes an angled wall 25 that receives the angledmember 17 of a hook 16 of another interlocking member 80. The angledwall 25 of the detent 21 and the angled member 17 of the hook 16 allowthe hook to be wedged into the recess as the two interlocking membersare press fit together. In this embodiment, either the recess 18 or hook16 or both have sufficient give to enable the press fit, with the hook16 and recess having their original shapes once press fit together sothat the detent 21 and stop member 19 are abutted to maintain the hook16 in the recess 18.

Additionally, in this embodiment, recesses 18 are closed off by closedwall 85, such that hooks 16 cannot be seen or accessed when twointerlocking members are combined. Such a feature was indicated as anoption with respect to the interlocking member 10 of FIGS. 1A though 1D,as an example. Closed wall 85 yields recesses 18 that are completelyinternal to the clasp and not externally visible or otherwiseaccessible. In this manner, access to the hooks 16 and recesses 18 thatmaintain the two interlocking members of the clasp together is denied,thereby providing greater security and tamper-resistance for the clasp.

While the inventive concept have been particularly shown and describedwith references to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood tothose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clasp configured to permanently secure aflexible band, comprising: first and second interlocking members, eachinterlocking member comprising: a shell including a base; a tongueextending from the base in parallel with the shell, including at leastone tongue protrusion extending from a tongue back surface toward theshell; a tongue receiving slot defined between the tongue and the shell,and within which the tongue protrusion extends; and at least one hookand at least one recess, each recess configured to receive a hook fromanother interlocking member and having a wall configured to preventexternal access to the hook received within the recess, wherein, wheninterlocked, the first and second interlocking members define a pathfrom one side of the clasp to an opposite side of the clasp throughwhich the flexible band passes such that the flexible band extendsthrough a first opening in the one side of the clasp and a secondopening in the opposite side of the clasp and the flexible band iscompressed by and between the tongue protrusions of the tongues of thefirst and second interlocking members.
 2. The clasp of claim 1, wherein,when interlocked, the clasp defines an internal serpentine path betweenthe tongues that compresses and secures the flexible band.
 3. The claspof claim 1, wherein the first and second interlocking members areidentical.
 4. The clasp of claim 1, wherein, the at least one hookconsists of two hooks; and the at least one recess consists of tworecesses configured to permanently receive the two hooks of the otherinterlocking member.
 5. The clasp of claim 4, wherein each hookcomprises an angled side configured to facilitate insertion into acorresponding recess and a stop side configured to prohibit removal ofthe hook from the corresponding recess.
 6. The clasp of claim 1,wherein: the at least one hook is at least one outwardly projectingprotrusion of the tongue; and the at least one recess is formed in outerportions of the shell.
 7. The clasp of claim 1, wherein each shellcomprises: an inner surface opposite the tongue and forming a portion ofthe tongue receiving slot; and at least two ribs extending from theinner surface and forming opposing sides of the tongue receiving slot,wherein the tongue of each of the first and second interlocking membersis configured to slidably engage the tongue receiving slot of the otherinterlocking member.
 8. The clasp of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first and second interlocking members comprises a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) chip.
 9. The clasp of claim 1, wherein theflexible band is a flexible strip of material.
 10. The clasp of claim 1,wherein the tongue of at least one of the first and second interlockingmembers further includes a tongue biasing member on a front surface ofthe tongue extending away from the shell.
 11. An interlocking memberforming a portion of a clasp configured to secure a band, theinterlocking member comprising: a rigid base; a shell extending from thebase; a tongue extending from the base in parallel with the shell,including at least one tongue protrusion extending from a tongue backsurface toward the shell; a tongue receiving slot defined between thetongue and the shell, and within which the tongue protrusion extends; atleast one hook outwardly projecting from the tongue; and at least onerecess formed in the shell, each recess defining a detent and having awall preventing external access to the detent, wherein the tonguereceiving slot defines a portion of a path passing through theinterlocking member from one side to an opposite side.
 12. Theinterlocking member of claim 11, wherein, when interlocked, the claspdefines an internal serpentine path between the tongues that compressesand secures the flexible band.
 13. The interlocking member of claim 11,wherein, the at least one hook consists of two hooks; and the at leastone recess consists of two recesses configured to permanently receivetwo hooks of the second interlocking member.
 14. The interlocking memberof claim 13, wherein each hook comprises an angled side configured tofacilitate insertion into a corresponding recess of the secondinterlocking member and a stop side configured to prohibit removal ofthe hook from the corresponding recess of the second interlockingmember.
 15. The interlocking member of claim 11, wherein the shellcomprises: an inner surface opposite the tongue and forming a portion ofthe tongue receiving slot; and at least two ribs extending from theinner surface and forming opposing sides of the tongue receiving slot.16. The interlocking member of claim 11, wherein the tongue receivingslot is configured to slidably receive a tongue of the secondinterlocking member.
 17. The interlocking member of claim 11, furthercomprising: a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip.
 18. Theinterlocking member of claim 11, wherein the flexible band is a flexiblestrip of material.
 19. The interlocking member of claim 11, wherein thetongue further includes a tongue biasing member on a front surface ofthe tongue extending away from the shell.